Empowering Elder Independence and Safety with Practical Tech Solutions
As we age, preventing accidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of our loved ones is essential. Fall accidents, short term memory concerns (i.e. forgetting where we left our keys or if we took our morning medication) and some regular activities, such as getting out of bed to turn off a light, become key considerations on our aging journey. Luckily for us, there are various technologies available to aid one’s independence and give families a peace of mind. In this article we will explore four important life stage concerns: fall prevention, GPS trackers, medicine administration, and home automations, and practical technology solutions to tackle these.
Fall prevention
Falling is the top cause of injury among seniors, therefore fall prevention technology is critical for keeping safe at home. Here are 3 solutions that can help alert to falls and ensure elders get the help they need in time.
Option 1: Smart watches
Modern smartwatches, like the Apple Watch and Google Pixel Watch, include fall detection technologies. These watches can detect a sharp change in height, such as when you fall. If this happens, the watch will inform you and ask you to confirm if you're ok or if you need assistance. If you do not react within a specified short period of time, the system will automatically phone 9-1-1 or a pre-selected emergency contact, such as a loved one or a caregiver. This feature provides peace of mind by ensuring that help is on its way even if you are unable to call for it.
Click to learn more: Google watch / Apple watch
Option 2: Telus Medical Alert Pendant
This small pendant can be worn around your neck. If you fall, just press the button, and it will alert emergency responders or a loved one. To use, simply press the button in case of an emergency. It’s available through Telus Health services.
Click to learn more: Telus Medical Alert necklace and pendent
GPS Tracker
If you are constantly looking for your keys or other objects around the house or if you want to keep your loved ones in the loop of your whereabouts, then a GPS tracking solution may be in order. Nowadays with smartphones and features such as Apple’s ‘Find My’ application, all of us are able to share our location for a pre-set or indefinite amount of time. Here are a few unique tech solutions you can look into.
Option 1: Tags to Track Objects
These are small, portable gadgets that allow you to keep track of vital belongings such as keys, wallets, and luggage, the remote and other (maybe your cat). One notable example is the Apple AirTag, which is compatible with iPhones and other Apple products. If you use an Android device, there are options such as Tile trackers. These tags use Bluetooth technology to relay the location of your belongings to your smartphone.
For Apple customers, the AirTag works flawlessly with iOS devices. You may attach the AirTag to any item, and the ‘Find My’ app will display the item's location on a map. If the item is close, you can use the AirTag to play a sound to help you locate it and your phone will show you an arrow pointing to the location and distance to the object.
Click to learn more: Apple Airtag / Android Airtag,Tile
Tracking tags are simple to use and provide peace of mind, particularly for the ones of us who tend to misplace items more frequently. Whether you use an iPhone with AirTag or an Android phone with Tile, these trackers make it much easier to find missing objects.
Option 2: WeTraq
WeTraq is a GPS-enabled foot sole that allows caregivers to track the location of their loved ones, particularly those living with dementia or memory loss. It fits comfortably within a shoe and provides real-time location tracking without the need for a separate device. Caregivers can create safe zones and receive notifications when the individual leaves them. To use, simply slip the WeTraq sole into the shoe and track their whereabouts using the smartphone app. It's a discreet and practical approach to keep your loved one secure while they retain their independence.
Click to learn more: https://www.wetraq.ca/
Medication Administration
For the ones of us that have to manage multiple medications at varying times, it can be hard to keep track and remember if we have indeed kept up to doctor’s orders. We have to rely on memory and that can be hard, when we are already managing other life events. Taking our medication as prescribed is key to ensuring well-being, and technology and other support services can truly help to ensure your chances of missing a medication dose decrease.
Option 1: Shoppers Drug Mart Medication Management
Shoppers Drug Mart offers a simple Prescription Service to assist seniors manage their drugs more successfully. Their pharmacists may set up automated prescription renewals and refills, so you never run out of necessary prescriptions.
Shoppers Drug Mart can organize your medications in 7-day blister packs to help ensure you’re taking the right medications at the right times. Blister packs are a safe, reliable, and convenient way to make sure you’re taking only the required amount of medication each day. Each set of medication is packed together, separate from all the others, and are easy to pop-out when you need them.
Click to learn more: Shoppers Drug Mart Blister Packs
Option 2: MyEasyDose
MyEasyDose is a full service medication management provider. They can fill your prescription, pre-package it per dose (similar to the Shoppers Drug Mart blister pack approach) and ship it to your doorstep in time. Meant to make seniors' lives easier by eliminating the need to sort their own pills, this service provides pre-sorted, easy-to-open packs arranged by day and time of dose. Each pack clearly specifies the name of the medication, when it should be used, and how many tablets are contained. What is the best part? These packs are delivered to your house on a monthly basis, eliminating the need for you to worry about refills or arranging your prescriptions. It's a convenient solution for individuals who desire a simple way to keep track of their medication.
Click to learn more: https://myeasydose.ca/
Option 3: Pippa Tipper
The Pippa Tipper is a rechargeable and lockable pill dispenser with 28 compartments that may be programmed to release medication at the appropriate time. When programmed, the carousel will turn when it's time to take your medication, and a melody or voice message will play to remind you. Simply tip the gadget to release the medication. It is ideal for people with memory difficulties or visual impairments.
Click to learn more: Shop Pippa Tipper
Home Automations
Smart home technologies are intended to make life easier by automating tasks and ensuring your safety. They can range from physical devices to manage fire safety, to devices that help you perform simple tasks using your voice or phone.
Option 1: Automated Fire Safety
The Avert Electric Stove Shut-Off Safety Device is an excellent choice for seniors and caregivers seeking to avoid stove-related injuries. This device will automatically switch off your electric stove if it detects a potential threat, such as leaving the burner on for too long. It may also send notifications directly to your phone, providing peace of mind whether you're at home or away. To use, simply place the device on your stove and connect it to your smartphone for real-time notifications. This device is great for preventing cooking accidents and providing safety for elderly who live independently.
Click to learn more: Shop Avert Electric Stove Shut-off on Amazon
Option 2: Automated Home Management Devices
Smart home gadgets such as the Amazon Echo with Alexa, Ecobee Smart Thermostat, and Google Home allow seniors to easily control their environment using their voice or smartphone. The Amazon Echo allows you to control smart devices, make calls, and create reminders by simply asking, "Alexa, turn off the lights" or "Alexa, remind me to take my medication." Similarly, the Google house reacts to voice requests such as "Hey Google, play music" or "turn off the lights," and syncs effortlessly with other smart devices in your house. If you are an Apple user then you can use the Apple Home application your phone, in order to link all your apple devices and control products from your phone (i.e. your speakers and apple TV). The Ecobee Smart Thermostat controls the temperature in your house based on your preferences and, like the others, can be managed via voice or an app. All these devices are compatible with both Android and Apple phones, offering convenience and ease of use.
Click to learn more: Google Home / Amazon Echo / Ecobee Thermostat
Thank You for reading and we hope you find these suggestions useful!
